May 2024 - vcf-midatlantic - lists.vcfed.org

Disk management software for other operating systems
by Gregg Levine 12 May '24

12 May '24

Hello! Let's set a few pointers, for earlier Linux systems, the distribution writers expected the installer to use the Rawrite program to create disks from files from the CD (or DVD) of the distribution if the system couldn't boot from that media. That program ran on MS-DOS, inside the Linux host the tool typically was the dd program. That is to make the images. But on the Apple, it gets more peculiar, a group of enthusiasts wrote a collection of programs to package disks on the PC for sending to an Internet archive called Asimov, and they also wrote a program called Ciderpress to manage the building of disk images from extracted files. (Also to other places.) Has anyone come across a utility that runs on ProDOS to recreate a disk image onto a proper disk size, that runs on the system itself? There are a whole collection of utilities on the Asimov site that will do almost anything, but I figured I'd ask in here first. ----- Gregg C Levine gregg.drwho8(a)gmail.com "This signature fought the Time Wars, time and again."

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47-Ton Cheyenne Supercomputer Sold To Mystery Buyer For $480, 000
by Herbert Johnson 11 May '24

11 May '24

There's speculation about what might be done with this computer, what it costs to run, value of parts. Consider how *massive* this system is, running costs, maintenance. Plumbing - pipes with fluids to every board - is a serious problem, it's literally leaking. Seven year old processors and RAM have some value, but thousands of them? storage? transaction costs? Either junking or reuse, is a business proposition that needs like a million dollars capitalization (half to buy, the rest to fund removal & storage and reinstallation, pay for the first month of operation, or months of storage for resale, costs like those). I found two resources online which are informative (doesn't mean every post is fact-based). https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/05/07/cheyenne-supercomputer-sold-to-myst… The local newspaper has some thoughtful considerations. Actual reportage! How about that. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40197277 This is pretty informative, posts from people who actually deinstalled and or run computers or parted-out computers of this class. Since the universe of bidders was small, what some winner might do is hard to predict. Doesn't seem like the sale price was for parting-out, more like for reuse where electricity and labor is cheaper. But anyone with a million dollar budget could have bought this for any oddball reason. Oddball at scale is entirely possible. Word will likely emerge. Regards Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA https://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net

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47-Ton Cheyenne Supercomputer Sold To Mystery Buyer For $480, 000
by Christian Liendo 10 May '24

10 May '24

OK, who bought this? Dave, did you get this? https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/05/07/cheyenne-supercomputer-sold-to-myst…

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Recommended PBS Documentary
by Chris Fala 09 May '24

09 May '24

The title is "Silicon Valley", and is an episode of the PBS series, "American Experience". Below is the link to Prime. This is an excellent history of Silicon Valley, focusing on one of the co-founders of Intel, Robert Noyce. I was reminded of this show when a friend and I were chatting a few weeks ago. I was surprised that he never heard of the "Traitorous Eight" who left Shockley Semiconductor to form Fairchild Semiconductor. I initially saw the documentary when it was free on broadcast TV, then again years later on YouTube, but it has apparently been taken down from free video streaming outlets. It seems that it is only available on Amazon Prime with the PBS Documentary subscription. I don't intend to pay for the subscription but got the free trial and re-watched the documentary a few times. I feel that it is definitely worthwhile. Let me know if you see/saw it and your thoughts, I think it would make for a good discussion. https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08F3GYY4N/

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Little help? Pickup item Alexandria, Virginia 22315 maybe bring to System Source Event?
by Douglas Crawford 07 May '24

07 May '24

Could someone pick up an item I have there and bring it north- perhaps to system source open house? Thanks!

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] FTGH: bad DSDD 3.5" disks
by James 07 May '24

07 May '24

IIRC, there was a person at VCF East who was selling floppy disk art which I think was metallic gold sharpie drawings from a plotter. Really cool Atari ones. If they aren't on this list Jeff probably knows who they are because they were selling art in consignment. On Sun, May 5, 2024 at 11:27 AM Jonathan Sturges via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > To bolster my stock of DSDD 3.5" floppies, I recently bought a lot on > eBay. But it included roughly 40 disks that won't format cleanly. Would > anyone like these? They don't seem to be good for data but maybe an art or > craft use? Free shipping to any takers in CONUS. > -Jonathan >

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Help us become a premier computing history experience.
by Douglas Crawford 07 May '24

07 May '24

We Need Your Help At The Museum! Are you passionate about history and technology? We're seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team as volunteer hosts at the VCFs Computing History Museum. We've been busy aligning it with InfoAge's goals by turning it into a place that not only preserves and showcases "the machines", but is embellished with lots of ways to experience the equipment more fully and foster exciting introductions to technology concepts. We need your help! Why Volunteer with Us? Engage with History: you'll have the unique opportunity to delve into the world of vintage computing inspired by our enviable vintage collection, sharing that history and passion for the equipment with visitors of all ages. Exclusive Training: We provide comprehensive training to all our volunteers, ensuring you're well-equipped to lead tours and answer questions with confidence. Flexible Scheduling: The museum operates on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 12-5. Special School tours, generally on Wednesdays, are earlier. No long term commitment necessary. Come once a week, once a month, once every two months based on your schedule. We'll take whatever you can spare. You can even be an "on call" emergency helper for when we get caught short of help. Travel Support: For those traveling 60 miles or more, we offer a $50 per diem to assist with travel expenses, acknowledging your commitment and effort. Onsite Accommodations: For weekend volunteers, we offer the convenience of an overnight stay onsite for Saturday and Sunday shifts, making it easier for you to be a part of our team without the hassle of daily travel. Join Us for Fun and Learning: Volunteering at the Vintage Computing Museum is a lot about about giving back but it's also about learning and having fun. It's a chance to make new friends, meet industry people, learn about vintage computing as a hobby, and contribute to a community that values technological heritage. Its even more fun if you bring a friend along to help because you can enjoy having access to the whole collection together. Not Sure? Then come hang out on a museum day and see what you think. If you're interested in seeing what this is all about, please contact us at museum(a)vcfed.org with your details and availability. Best Regards! Douglas Crawford VCF Computing History Museum and Learning Center

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Northern VA Vintage Computer Meetup - 30 June 2024
by Tim Gladding 06 May '24

06 May '24

Sign me up. I'll bring some Acorn kit. Gives me an excuse to fit all the upgrades I have on the shelf :) On Mon, May 6, 2024 at 7:43 PM Ryan Stapleton via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hello All, > > For those that are in Northern VA or want to travel to Northern VA I am > going to host a Vintage Computer meetup followed by dinner. > > https://www.bluewizard.net/pages/vintagecomputermeetup/ > > Where: > > Chantilly Regional Library > 4000 Stringfellow Rd Chantilly, VA, 20151-2628 > We have the conference room (smaller of the 2 rooms) > > When: > > Sunday 30 June 2024 @ 2-6 PM. > Group dinner afterwards at restaurant TBD. We will pick a local > restaurant to goto afterwards. > > > > Thank you > -Ryan

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Northern VA Vintage Computer Meetup - 30 June 2024
by Matthew Martin 06 May '24

06 May '24

Hey Ryan, I replied on-list that I’ll probably be there, but I wanted to offer my time if you need an extra set of hands setting anything up or stuff like that. I’m not exactly local (Harrisburg, PA) but I’m willing to show up an hour or two early if you need anything. -Matthew Sent from my iPhone > On May 6, 2024, at 7:43 PM, Ryan Stapleton via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > > > <mime-attachment>

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Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Northern VA Vintage Computer Meetup - 30 June 2024
by Bill Degnan 06 May '24

06 May '24

Ryan, What is the occasion? Bill On Mon, May 6, 2024 at 7:44 PM Ryan Stapleton via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic(a)lists.vcfed.org> wrote: > Hello All, > > For those that are in Northern VA or want to travel to Northern VA I am > going to host a Vintage Computer meetup followed by dinner. > > https://www.bluewizard.net/pages/vintagecomputermeetup/ > > Where: > > Chantilly Regional Library > 4000 Stringfellow Rd Chantilly, VA, 20151-2628 > We have the conference room (smaller of the 2 rooms) > > When: > > Sunday 30 June 2024 @ 2-6 PM. > Group dinner afterwards at restaurant TBD. We will pick a local > restaurant to goto afterwards. > > > > Thank you > -Ryan

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